P&O Cruises have over 178 years of experience in the industry so when it comes to launching a new ship, you would hope they would get it right!

Britannia is the largest ship built for British holidaymakers and has been designed exclusively for the British market. Over 20,000 people were consulted during the design period – past cruisers and also, importantly, people who have not yet been on a cruise.

P&O are the only cruise line 100% dedicated to the British market and their aim was to create a home from home, something to represent the best of British culture and the ultimate ‘modern classic’ ship.

Britannia is a blend some of P&O Cruises signature features taken from the around the fleet with new innovations, yet it still keeps in line with the very British P&O Cruises look and feel that will appeal to the loyal P&O cruiser and also entice new customers to concept of cruising.

Britannia has been beautifully designed with a elegant, calm, relaxing colours throughout the public areas and staterooms, and it certainly does have a homely feel to it. The focal point of the ship is the Atrium, which is arranged over three decks and has a stunning centrepiece ‘Starbust’ which is made up of 280 reflective shards and is over 8 metres tall.

Britannia has over 13 places to eat, including the adults-only Limelight Club, Indian fine dining at Sindhu by Michelin-star winning Atul Kochar, the contemporary The Epicurean restaurant, and a first for P&O Cruises, Market Café a continental-style deli right at the heart of the Atrium.

But Britannia is not just about food. Beer lovers will enjoy a pint in Brodies with a choice of over 70 varieties of British beer, ale and cider and head to the Crows Nest for the perfect G&T with over 20 British gins available. There is also a variety of other places where you can relax and enjoy a drink, listen to some live piano and soak up the atmosphere - like Olly Smith’s Glass House or The Blue Bar.

Entertainment on-board again focuses on the Best of Britain. Headliners features innovative new stage shows including Sound of the Underground, which takes the audience on a tube ride they will never forget. The Crystal Room will be home to Strictly Come Dancing and The Live Lounge is one of Britannia’s key entertainment venues. It will offer family–friendly entertainment during the day and the best of British entertainment in the evening, before finally turning into the Nightclub which is open until the early hours.

The Reef is the area dedicated to children of all ages from tots to teens. From PlayStation 4 to arts and crafts, chill out areas to their own little paddling pool everything has been carefully considered to cater to today’s young people.

There is a good range of staterooms, including 27 single staterooms, all beautifully decorated, spacious and light, TV with video on demand, the White Company toiletries and the most comfortable beds and importantly the tea and coffee making facilities expected from British holidaymakers.

In summary, Britannia is the culmination of years of planning and is truly a modern classic. It does not feature some of the innovative technology and WOW factors associated with other new cruise ships, but it doesn't need to. P&O Cruises have got it exactly right, this is a British ship made for the British cruise market featuring the best of British culture and I, for one, am proud to be British.